Bridging the gap between generations

Youthful exuberance has become an increasingly powerful influence in aged care through a special program in Adelaide that bridges generations. Not for profit aged care provider Life Care has introduced a series of Intergenerational Days in which children, grandchildren and great grandchildren of residents come together for family talk, play and fun.

Resident Ruth Cadd (right) with great granddaughter, Matilda, and family members (from left) Haimish Whittington, Victoria Witton and Susan McBain.

Through its partnership with the Adelaide Football Club, Life Care is also involving visits by Crows players to add further excitement to the events for all ages.

Residents and their families, along with Life Care staff and volunteers, have hailed the Intergenerational Days as a great success.

Recently at Life Care’s Reynella Village, it was a case of unbound ‘Crowmania’ with Adelaide players Sam Kerridge and Andy Otten sharing kicking, handballing and marking skills with youngsters.

This was followed up with another similar event at Life Care’s Parkrose Village with Crows forward Lewis Johnston.

Allen Candy, Life Care’s chief executive, said the events allowed residents to invite family members and friends, especially from younger generations, to engage in a special community environment.

“All are welcome – from babies to toddlers, teenagers and older family members – to engage with each other,” he said.

The event at Parkrose Village brought four generations of one family together. Resident Thelma Sweet welcomed her daughter in law, Dianne Sweet, granddaughters, Rebekah and Anna, and their children – four year old Sarah, Penny, four months, two year old Naomi, and Edwina, three months.

“One of my granddaughters came all the way from Derby in Western Australia,” Ms Sweet said. “It is just wonderful to have us all together, especially with the babies.”

Life Care resident of 30 years, Shirley Rumbelow, said: “I have nine grandchildren and six great grandchildren. They couldn’t make it today, so I am borrowing other children for cuddles. It is beautiful to bring different generations together like this.”

Resident, Lewis Johnston, added: “It is great for the players to share some time with older supporters of the Adelaide Crows. Some of the residents have been supporters of the club from day one and it is great to know that footy is still bringing excitement into their lives.”

Read about Queensland aged care provider, PresCare’s, GenConnect program which is helping to enrich the connection between young people and seniors.